My Music, My Vision, My Rules: Why I Use AI

I write songs, record vocals, play instruments, and use AI to help bring my musical ideas to life. I also use it to design album covers and generate specific video segments for my music videos.

As an independent artist, AI gives me practical ways to create and release music without the expense of hiring others to handle every part of the process.

Working Around Arthritis

I have arthritis in a couple of my fingers, which can make playing certain chords and instruments painful. Although this limits what I can comfortably perform, it doesn’t stop me from writing songs or imagining how I want them to sound.

I still record vocals and play instruments. AI helps me develop arrangements and instrumental parts, building a fuller sound around my own performances.

It’s a way to work around my physical limitations and keep making music.

Why I Choose to Work Alone

I’ve spent years working in team environments, and I have no desire to bring that into my musical life.

I detest creative collaborations. I don’t want another person’s ego interfering with my ideas or someone trying to steer my songs in a direction I never intended. I want to make my own decisions without arguments, creative politics, or compromises just to keep someone else happy.

There are also financial realities to consider. I’m an independent artist without a wealthy backer dropping millions on musicians, producers, designers, and video crews. I have to work within my own budget.

AI helps me do more with the resources I have, whether that’s developing a song arrangement, designing artwork, or creating visuals for a music video.

AI Beyond the Music

My use of AI extends beyond arrangements and instrumentation. I use it to design album covers that reflect the mood and subject of my songs, as well as generate video segments for music videos.

These tools let me explore visual ideas and create material that complements my music without the cost of hiring outside designers or video production teams.

I can experiment, make changes, and try different approaches until I’m happy with the result. The technology gives me options that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

My Approach to AI

I know AI in music is controversial. Some musicians embrace it, while others prefer traditional methods. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

My approach is straightforward: I use live vocals where possible, play the instruments I can, and use AI to help with the elements I cannot easily produce myself. I also use it for artwork and some video content.

I’m not claiming every part of my music is performed live, nor am I telling anyone else how to work. I’m simply using the tools available to me to create the music and visuals I want.

My Music, My Way

AI helps me overcome some of the challenges of arthritis, manage production costs, and bring my ideas from concept to finished project.

I don’t want to depend on other people to make my vision a reality. I want to write my songs, shape their sound, create their artwork, and develop their videos on my own terms.

If you don’t like my music or the way I create it, that’s your choice. There’s plenty of other artists out there, so go and find something you enjoy. I’m not trying to please everyone, and I’m certainly not going to change how I work to satisfy someone else’s opinions. My music is for those who enjoy it. If it’s not for you, move on.

I make music because I enjoy it. AI helps me keep doing that, my way.